Canberra: The Australian National University (ANU) has said that no more forced redundancies will take place as part of its $250 million (£182.5 million) restructure plan, known as Renew ANU.
Interim Vice-Chancellor Rebekah Brown has announced during a staff town hall that higher-than-expected voluntary redundancies have preserved around 100 jobs that were previously at risk. Since the process began 12 months ago, 399 staff members have departed through voluntary measures.
Brown, who became emotional while addressing staff, has acknowledged the harm caused by the restructure and said that management will focus on improving communication. Brown confirmed that while there will be no further compulsory cuts, the university will continue with realignments in flagged colleges and maintain close monitoring of expenditure.
The restructure has taken place amid leadership changes, with former Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell stepping down after two turbulent years. Chancellor Julie Bishop has also faced scrutiny over financial governance, but Brown has said it is not her role to ask members of the council to resign.
Meanwhile, an anonymous donor has offered funding to keep the Australian National Dictionary Centre operating for two years, while the Australian Dictionary of Biography has secured additional support. However, the future of the school of music, the centre for European studies, and the humanities research centre remains uncertain.
Musicians, including Jimmy Barnes, have urged ANU to retain the music school, which has been earmarked for integration into the school of creative and cultural practice. Brown has committed to ensuring that performance continues in collaboration with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.
The National Tertiary Education Union has welcomed the halt to forced job cuts, though it has warned that the restructure has already damaged the institution and affected staff wellbeing. Nearly 30 staff at the humanities school have stopped work following an internal report highlighting psychological risks linked to the changes.
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